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very rushed very bad weekly ASDFS


Weekly 4:

- Jacob and Blythe, two teenage boys with very different statuses. Jacob is the crown prince, set to inherit the throne. Since birth, he has been raised to fill this role, and every aspect of his life revolves around it. Yet, he dislikes the responsibility that comes with it. He often wishes he was ordinary. He treasures freedom that so many take for granted.

- Blythe is a stablehand. He is a commoner and grew up as an orphan, extremely poor. Despite this, he is very bright, and quite intelligent. Though he has never formally attended school, he learns on his own time. If he had been born royal, he would certainly have had a high place in society.

- During an important festival, Jacob hides away from everyone, disappearing into the stables. There he meets Blythe and begs him not to give him away. Blythe reluctantly obliges, after Jacob promises that he will reward him for his silence.

- The two boys quickly become friends, and Jacob enjoys these bits of freedom. Being friends with Blythe makes him feel normal. He can ignore the weight of his duties, even if just for a few moments.

- Jacob often sneaks Blythe into the castle, where the two roam around. Nobody knows of their relationship, and it wouldn’t be beneficial for either of them if they were found out. A prince should have friends of a similar status and not interact closely with commoners.

- Jacob stole a large cake from the kitchens. On his bed, the two share it, and Jacob feeds Blythe pieces as he reads over one of the two’s favorite books. Some gets on Blythe’s cheek and before Jacob can stop himself, he brushes it away. Something passes between them and suddenly everything becomes awkward.

- They become something more than friends, but neither is able to accept it. They continue on as if nothing has happened, sharing secret moments and glances. Finally, Blythe makes the first move, kissing Jacob after he comes back from a trip to one of the neighboring kingdoms. Jacob does the same back, but guilt brews inside him. He has just been offered a marriage proposal to one of the neighboring kingdom’s princesses, an alliance that will greatly benefit their kingdom. However, he chooses not to tell Blythe, wanting to enjoy the relationship.


-They begin a secret relationship. As it furthers, and they become more intimate, Jacob reveals the truth, unable to keep it from Blythe any longer. He becomes extremely angry, saying that Jacob doesn’t treat him or the relationship secret and only wants to be with him to “rebel.” That he will toss him away at the first chance. He’s tired of being a secret lover.


(448 words)


Exposition:

Jason buttons up his shirt, tucking it neatly into his pants. Lace lines the collar, intricate detailing down the front and across the shoulders. He turns to his closet, pulling out a maroon vest. Gold designs decorate the entire front, depictions of blossoming flowers stretching upwards, with gilded buttons at the clasp.

He turns to the mirror, letting out a long breath. In the mirror, a tall figure stands, short straw-colored hair slicked back, piercing green eyes evident through a sea of freckles. Tailored clothing hugs every curve in his body, accentuating his small waist and broad shoulders. He rolls up the cuffs of his sleeves, revealing a gold bracelet and several rings, with gleaming green gemstones.

A prince.

Jason can barely recognize the person staring back at him.

Serious demeanor, cool, unbothered look in his eyes.

His mouth is a firm line.

Harsh angular brows.

(146 words)

Jacob reaches for his crown, placing it firmly atop his head. Strands of gold intertwine to form a gleaming circlet, embedded with rubies, held firmly in place. It feels heavy. An awkward weight. No matter how many times he does this, he doesn’t think he’ll ever truly get used to it.

How he longs to take it off, be free from the restrictions that bind him. To frolic in fields of flowers, pollen staining his clothes. Cool raindrops on his face, trailing down his neck. Damp strands of hair. He loves the earthy smell the morning after it rains.

Letting out a long sigh, Jacob opens his door, entering the hallway. His fantasies are just fantasies, after all. Unrealistic for a reason.

—–

Jacob waves at the crowds from his throne. His back aches from the rigid back, which digs into his spine. It is made of fine, imported cherrywood. The edges are encrusted with gold, which is melded into the grain of the wood. On the top, they form three spikes, curving outwards like waves. Another flashy display of their kingdom’s wealth.

He knows full well what commoners think of royalty. How they idolize them, worshiping them like gods. They cannot make any mistakes.

The crowds scream his name, cheering loudly as they press against each other, reaching up to get closer to him, desperate hands flailing in the air. Their bodies pack the narrow streets like sardines.

It’s exhausting.

Having to be perfect all of the time.

Presentable.

The forced politeness and smiles that he plasters across his features.

God, when will it end.

—–

Seven years old.

His nanny, Alicia, was reading Cinderella to him. Jacob sat cross-legged on the bed, eyes wide in excitement. Her storytelling was spellbinding, words making the characters come alive, emerging from the pages.

“What do you think of Prince Charming?” she asks him, a gentle smile upon her lips.

“He’s very brave,” Jacob murmurs, his head tilted to the side in thought.

“What about Cinderella? Do you think she’s beautiful? The perfect fit for a charming young prince like you.” The nanny laughs, ruffling his hair affectionately.

“But, I don’t want to marry her.” Jacob pouts. “I want to marry Prince Charming!”

Alicia freezes, eyes open in fear. The world stills. Jacob doesn’t understand what he has done wrong, yet he can see the wrongness of his answer reflecting in her features. The taste of the words on his lips

“Surely you don’t mean that,” she stammers. She grasps his shoulders tightly, shaking him back and forth in a panicked fervor. “Tell me you don’t mean it.”

“But, but I do mean it. He’s handsome and brave.” Jacob crosses his arms over his chest firmly. He twists out of her grip.

“You… you can’t. Princes can’t marry other boys.” Alicia cups his face in her palms, “Do you understand that, my sweet prince.” Her eyes are unfocused, flicking back and forth wildly, occasionally focusing back on him.

“Yes,” he responds dejectedly, trembling in her grip. “I understand.” As soon as the words are out of his mouth, she releases him, relief blossoming across her face. He immediately backs away, frightened.

Only then does he begin to understand what his responsibilities as a prince mean. Restrictions. The things he can and cannot do.

Choices that have been made for him.

The heavy weight of his crown.

—–

“Jacob, you need to go greet people in the throne room. There is a long line of people waiting for you,” Jacob’s mother, Queen Adeline, instructs. Her mouth is a firm line, brow furrowed.

“Why?” the words slip out from between his lips before he can stop them. He braces himself for a reaction, already knowing what the response will be.

“Because you’re the crown prince. This is your duty, your responsibility,” she chastises. The lines surrounding her mouth tighten in frustration. They’ve had this conversation so many times.

“I never asked for this. I don’t want this responsibility. You said that I had to participate in the festival. I did. I’ve served my purpose.” Jacob clenches his fists tightly at his sides.

“That’s not something you can change. Get prepared for the greeting. Make yourself presentable.” Queen Adelin commands, eyes narrowing.

“No,” Jacob says, voice dark and booming. Before he can reconsider, he breaks into a run, racing down the stairs, coattails flapping wildly behind him.

“Jacob,” Queen Adeline calls after him, her voice echoing throughout the palace, “Come back here,” she thunders. He ignores her words, blocking them out of his head. As he runs throughout the hallways, he tries to think of a place where nobody will think to look for him. His mind races.

He turns the corner, seeing a wall of horseshoes, pinned to the wall. Of course, the stables. He pushes open the door, the smell of manure making his nose wrinkle. Numerous stalls line the walls, horses heads peeking over the wooden doors. Upon seeing him, they stamp their hooves, nostrils flaring as they neigh loudly.

A tall figure stands at one of the stalls, coaxing one of the horses inside. He’s dressed in plain, fitted green pants, which hug his slight frame. Leather riding boots hit just below his knee.

“Hello,” Jacob starts. Immediately, he turns around. His pale blue eyes bore into Jacob’s, the intensity startling him. Short brown hair frames his face, accentuating his sharp features and high cheekbones. Intriguing.

“What are you doing in here?” The boy looks him up and down curiously, “Royals don’t usually come down here.”

“I…I need a place to hide,” Jacob says, “If you help me, I’ll reward you handsomely.” The boy folds his arms over his chest, eyebrows raised.

“What kind of reward?” he questions.

“Anything you want.”

“Ok, deal. You’d better keep your promise, or I don’t know if I can keep my lips sealed.” His lips quirk upwards into a small smirk. “Go into the broom closet over there.” He points to a small door next to Jacob. “I’ll cover for you if anyone comes in.”

(1007 words)

Ingredients used:

Jim Flabsdz (new character introduction)
Writing Utensils (foreshadowing)
Smalls (flashback)
Frying pan (symbol)
Gurtle (plot twist)


total is 1601 words